Free food, giveways, games and softball are set for Saturday, May 12 at Bowlin Stadium.

Photo Courtesy Scott Bruhn/NU Media Relations

Courtesy: NU Media Relations

05/08/2012

The Nebraska softball program, in conjunction with the On Deck Circle, will host the World's Largest Softball Tailgate on Saturday, May 12 at Bowlin Stadium. This completely free event begins at 11 a.m. with free food, games and activities inside the stadium and continues as Nebraska plays Wisconsin at 1 p.m. in the final regular-season game of the year.

Fans do not need to purchase a ticket for either the tailgate or the softball game, as both events are free. Season ticket holders and fans who already had a ticket for the May 12 game will be guaranteed their seats, otherwise all seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The tailgate begins at 11 a.m. and fans should gather for the free food at the fenced gate located down the third-base line of Bowlin Stadium. Upon entering the stadium, fans will be given a voucher which will be good for one hot dog, one Pepsi product and one bag of chips. Free food will be available while supplies last, with 2,000 vouchers being handed out. Concession stands will be open for additional purchases and fans are not allowed to bring their own food or drink into Bowlin Stadium. The main entrance behind home plate will also be open for fans wishing to enter the stadium for other tailgating activities, but who do not want to wait in line for free food.

Other attractions at the tailgate will include giveaways, inflatables and other fun activities. Fans can watch Nebraska take batting practice on the field and watch the teams warm up before the game. Inflatable games, including a speed pitch, a field goal kick and a Mizuno inflatable will be set up on the concourse level down the right field line. Face painting, balloon artists and music will add to the festive atmosphere, while Big Red in the Big Ten rally towels will be given away while supplies last.

Nebraska is attempting to set a new record for the world's largest softball tailgate in its first year of hosting the event. The current record is held by Illinois, which drew 1,445 fans to its 2007 tailgate. Following the tailgate, fans will watch the Huskers take on Wisconsin in the regular-season finale.

The Huskers, who are hoping for a record crowd for the tailgate and the game, have also been one of the nation's best home teams this season. Nebraska is 13-0 at home this season, and the Huskers have won 16 consecutive home games dating back to last season. The 16 straight home victories are a Bowlin Stadium record, and Nebraska currently owns the nation's second-longest home winning streak.

Also as part of the day's festivities, Nebraska's six seniors will be honored following the game for the contributions they have made to the Husker softball program.

What: World's Largest Softball Tailgate

When: Saturday, May 12 beginning at 11 a.m.

Who: Fans of all ages

Where: Bowlin Stadium(free food entrance line located at the gate down the third-base line;
Main home plate entrance also available for those who do not wish to wait in line for the free food)